There is the story of two TV commentators talking about the morality of the U.S. After a 25 to 30 minute discussion, one of them said, "America has gone through very trying times, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel." The other one said, "I wish that were true, but I think we are getting used to the dark." I believe the statement of the second one is right. We need to examine ourselves as individuals and as congregations to determine if we are indeed getting used to the dark. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:14-15)

WE LIVE IN THE DAY OF THE RHEOSTAT WHERE WE CAN DIM THE LIGHTS AND STILL CALL IT LIGHT. I believe that I am an optimist. I believe the Lord's church is intended to glow, grow, and go; and it will do this in spite of us. The Lord intends for His people to be a thermostat affecting the temperature and not a thermometer reflecting the temperature. The Lord does not intend us to be an example of what the world is, but an example of what the world should be.

WE ARE CALLING SIN BY NEW NAMES. Adultery has become "free love." Homosexuality has become "an alternate life style." The drunkard is an "alcoholic," and the murderer is "temporarily insane." What used to be called sin is categorized as the "new morality," a "new way of life." We try to justify this life style by statements like, "Everyone is doing it" and "That's my problem, not yours." We know we are living in the darkness by the things we love and by what we spend our time doing.

ATTITUDE TOWARD AUTHORITY IS TERRIBLE. We hear many adults degrading our President, governor, or some other political figure setting an example for our young people to follow. While it may be that our political figures aren't worthy of their position, their position is worthy of honor. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. (Rom. 13:1-2) The fact that we laugh about this proves we are getting used to the dark.

IMMODESTY IS A NATIONAL SHAME. These days, every other teen-age girl at the mall is wearing her favorite pair of "I wear a size 8, but the 6's fit so tight, I went ahead and got the 4's" low-rider jeans that let her wiggle around in pride, showing off her new tattoo just above the caboose along with the belly-button ring she bought with last week's allowance. (The Christian Courier, Monday, June 28, 2004) A TV commentator once said, "I can't find anything in which college students are embarrassed." The mode of dress today bothers me, but what bothers me more is that we live right in the middle of it and aren't embarrassed by it. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; In the time of their punishment They shall be cast down," says the LORD. (Jer. 8:12) Are we getting used to the dark?

SEXUAL MORALITY IS A FARCE. Sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage is just another departure from God's will. Of all the people in the world, we Christians should be insisting on self-control, self-discipline, responsibility, and morality. We should be shouting this from mountain tops with the same fervor and attitude of the Old Testament prophets. What has happened to morality that was once taught from every household regardless of their religious position? What has happened to "flee fornication" (1 Cor. 6:18)? There is no such thing as safe sex, safe sin, or safe immorality. God tells us to run from it, resist it, and reject it. We are to "keep ourselves pure." (1 Tim. 5:22) There should not even be a hint of sexual immorality among Christians. Are we getting used to the dark? - 30 Village St., Waldorf, MD 20602. cocw.minister@comcast.net

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